Botulinum Toxin A in bruxers. One year experience

OBJECTIVE: To review and assess the benefits, outcome, and side effects of using Botulinum Toxin A (BTxA) in the treatment of bruxism.

METHODS: From January 2009 to January 2010, 120 bruxers were treated; no special examinations were carried out, since the exact diagnoses were made beforehand. All were treated with BTxA in the masseter muscle with standardized doses and injection sites. A follow-up examination was made 15 days post-procedure, and all patients responded to a short satisfaction questionnaire. Twenty-three patients were re-injected with additional doses of BTxA for insufficient results. Subjective results and side effects were assessed.

RESULTS: All patients have declared a good/very good improvement in symptoms. No significant side effects were seen. At the study's conclusion, 36 patients (30%) declared a fair result, 79 (65.8%) good, and 5 (4.2%) excellent.

CONCLUSION: Botulinum Toxin A is a simple method of treatment of bruxism, without side effects and appreciated by patients. The technique needs further studies to assess long-term outcome on target structures, especially on teeth.